Out of Norm Travels

Laghu Samrat Yantra, the Small Equatorial Sundial, Jaipur Observatory (Jantar Mantar), Jaipur Rajasthan, India (all rights reserved) The  Jantar Mantar  monument of  Jaipur, Rajasthan  is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments, built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh, in the early 18th century.  Combining religion, science and art, the Jantar Mantar is the name given to a series of five, magnificent structures built in Jaipur, New Delhi, Ujjan, Varanasi and Mathura. It features the world's largest stone sundial and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye, they embody several architectural and instrumental innovations.  I must confess that I did not really appreciate the importance of the visit to this location but upon my return and having gone through my photos, I now understand that this is the MOST significant, comprehensive, and best preserved of India's ...

I was reminded of my long outstanding India blog entry when I was recently faced with the question of "What would be the personality of India through my lens?" That got me thinking....  Out of the thousands of photos taken during that trip, I vividly recalled the spectacular colors of Rajasthan as I traversed her lands from Jaipur  (Pink City of India) ,  Junagarh Fort at Jaisalmer  (built with distinctive Yellowstone of that area),  Jodhpur (The Blue City) with its  impressive Mehrangarh fort,  and its special places like Karni Mata temple (aka Rat Temple where I had my personal up and  close encounter with the small creatures),  Jaisalmer Fort (with its  intricate hand-carved sand stone latticed balconies and archways)  and last but not least, the  Pushkar Camel Fair (one of India’s unique spectacle that  attracts some 300,000 people and up to 20,000 camels, cattle and horses) .  I also had my first taste...

Astro or Star gazing is a new genre of photography for me and frankly quite intimidating and foreign territory for a city girl like me.  Stars are something present but unseen in many parts of the little island city due to the vast amounts of light pollution. However, the first impression of astro following a pre trip workshop is how complicated the entire process is with different considerations for the taking a decent photograph.  Naturally, my expectations of getting something decent from my first astro photography trip to mount Bromo is understandably on the low side. What I got out of the trip is definitely more than I expected.  The amazement of seeing the millions of stars clearly for the first time reminded me of the many reasons I took up this amazing art form. It helps when it takes some 4 hours by van to reach Bromo from Surabaya and although it is near to some villages, the level of light pollution is low. Justin our pro was aware of the daunting natu...

Let's put it out there.....I am TERRIFIED of Rats. The mere squeak can drive me far away in another direction. yet I put my fears aside when I was told that we will be visiting a rat temple in India. why? Well, simply for the sake of photography.  The temple is none other than the Hindu temple more commonly known as the Temple of the Rats (aka Karni Mata Hari Temple) in the region of Rajasthan, just outside Bikarner.  It is interesting to find out facts like some 20,000 rats live in this temple. The rats are believed to be holy and allowed to free roam. I was told that if you don't disturb them, they won't disturb you. So I went along with some other brave souls and bared our feet to walk the grounds. I was also trying my best to spot a white rat, believed to be the most holy out of all the thousands of black/ grey rats scurrying around. And I am glad to say that not only I survived the little walk around but also saw some 3 white rats (most auspicious indeed as guide ...

Just a short 1.5 hour ride out of Bangkok, you will get into Pattaya which is frequented by Thais and foreigners alike.  We made a trip down there back in 2011 and dropped by the Silverlake Winery, the only vineyard located in Pattaya. If you are too lazy for that stroll, they offer train rides around the vast estate and you can end your visit at their lovely restaurant and enjoy your wine/ nourishment overlooking the vineyard. Pattaya also has a quaint little floating market that has the usual wares and food delights. Be sure to take some time to gallivant around the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden aka Rose Garden as well. A nice wooden structure called Sanctuary of the Truth (Prasat Sut Ja-Tum) that is built according to ancient Thai traditions will be a nice ending point of your journey.  This little excursion is well worth the time and you can easily be transported to another world away from the citylife of nearby Bangkok.  till ...

Flying out from Beijing to Luoyang ( simplified Chinese :  洛阳 ;  traditional Chinese :  洛陽 ;  pinyin :  Luòyáng)  is certainly not high on the travel itineraries of many - quite a few not having even heard or visited this place, not even those hailing from China.  It is thus with much anticipation that I took an internal flight to this city  located in the Henan p rovince  which was once 1 out of the 4 Great Ancient Capitals of China (other 3 are Beijing, Nanjing and Changan (Xian)) to spend the night. My main aim was the visit to Luoyang Grottoes, which was listed by UNESCO in 2000 as a World Heritage Site.  Luoyang Grottoes simplified Chinese 龙门石窟 traditional Chinese 龍門石窟 pinyin Dragon's Gate Grottoes - I can only say " MAGNIFICENT".....I have never seen so many thousands of Buddhist statues carved into limestone caves.   One advice to  travelers  is to start early in the morning and spend more time at th...

Ko Kret or Koh Kred aka Pak Kret is essentially an Island in the middle of Bangkok City, Thailand along the Chao Praya River. Interesting to see the Mon tribe residing at this  island which was created back in 18th century when a canal was constructed  and eventually due to widening, created an island. The tribe retained a distinct identity in their version of Buddhism and, particularly at Ko Kret, their pottery. Did a round boat trip with a drop-off at the pottery, local temple and the biggest Buddha by the river.  Although it is within Bangkok Koh Kret is  another world compared to Bangkok as much of the island is what you would imagine rustic Bangkok with wooden planks at your feet and a certain village air where everyone knows everyone stays in the same area come out to greet each other for the day before going about their business. Much of your day there can be spent just walking around - during the weekends, there is a bustling market but during...

I have been wanting to take this trip to witness the for the past 3 years so I was elated when I found a travel companion 1.5 weeks before the annual Rocket Festival started at Yasothorn, Thailand over the weekend of May 10-12 that I booked my air ticket and made the overnight bus ride down to this unusual and truly unique experience. As in many Thai festivals, the festival varies from year to year due to Thai lunar calendar calculations but understand that essentially it's held during the weekend of the 2nd week of May.  Thailand Rocket  Festival, also known as Bun Bang Fai is one of the most explosive and unusual festivals in the Thai calendar. A must-visit event if you happen to be up in the  Isaan  (northeastern) region of Thailand.   According to www.wherethailand.com, this festival is based on an old folk belief, every May local farmers look to try and coax the gods into the romantic mood needed to produce rainfall by sending huge phallic-shaped rocket...

I am going to break my usual blog narration approach by letting the wonderful art in Penang speak for itself....throughly enjoyed the walk even though it was pretty hot as it felt like I was hitting jackpot every time I see an art mural or steel rod sculpture! Will definitely return when I get my chance to find many other interesting pieces.... Special thanks to Timothy Tye aka Tim the Traveler ( http://www.penang-traveltips.com/george-town-street-art.htm ) ultra- informative blog about Penang art -without which I will never be able to find out the names and artists of the many photos that I have taken! For those who prefer slide show,   Till the next time, onto the world and beyond!